The Angel of the Opera: Sherlock Holmes Meets the Phantom of the Opera [Hardcover]

Sam Siciliano (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1994

The legendary detective investigates the real secrets motivating the Phantom of the Opera, when the managers of the Paris Opera House seek help with their difficult tenant.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1890 Sherlock Holmes and his cousin Dr. Henry Vernier are summoned to France to rid the great Paris Opera House of an "opera ghost." Readers familiar with Gaston Leroux's story will be on safe ground in Siciliano's retelling. An elusive phantom threatens the management of the Opera with unnamed disasters unless he's paid "several thousand francs a month" and young and beautiful Christine Daae is cast as the lead in their productions. Under the tutelage of the "Angel of Music," a fearfully disfigured musician living in the cellars of the Opera house, Christine becomes the rage of the Paris Opera. Holmes is hired by both the theater's management and the pompous and immature Viscount de Chagny, who adores Christine, to remove the Phantom's threat to profits and love. Although Holmes does little but interact with the other characters, through him and Vernier, the author re-examines the relationship of goodness and beauty. Siciliano's tale, while not original, is wonderfully atmospheric and moves briskly.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

YA-A new case from an old detective. Sherlock Holmes and his cousin go to France to help the new owners of the Paris Opera learn who (or is it what?) is behind the mysterious happenings in the opera house. The story is narrated by Holmes's cousin, who is assisting the master sleuth as Dr. Watson is unavailable. Fast-paced and creative, the plot moves quickly and includes adventure, comedy, and romance. Students interested in the history of the stage will be drawn to this book as many period details of the theater are presented both as background information and as clues. Most of the figures remain true to their characters as originally presented by Doyle and LeRoux-even in the unusual, romantic ending. The cover is especially eye-catching: Holmes glares at the Phantom resplendent in red cape and skeleton mask. A fun selection for students mesmerized by the present Phantom or seeking a new challenge for Mr. Holmes.
Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Otto Penzler Books; First Edition ~1st Printing edition (June 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883402468
• ISBN-13: 978-1883402464
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #898,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing . . ., April 1, 2000

By 

Matthew Weaver "cesarfaison" (Spokane) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Angel of the Opera: Sherlock Holmes Meets the Phantom of the Opera (Hardcover)

There's a hokey premise lurking in Sam Siciliano's "Angel of the Opera: Sherlock Holmes Meets the Phantom of the Opera."

On the heels of a disturbing case (the conclusion of which sets the tone and pace for the rest of the book), Sherlock Holmes and his cousin Dr. Henry Vernier- the book's narrator and an amiable replacement for Watson, with whom Holmes has had a falling-out - are summoned to Paris, where managers of the Paris Opera House have had problems with a mysterious Opera Ghost.

Sounds corny, no?

The truth is, it's anything but. Siciliano ably takes Arthur Conan Doyle's and Gaston Leroux's creations, and weaves them into a story that is possibly better than those of his predecessors.

Vernier and Holmes share a delightful familial connection that takes way from Watson's absence as the two traipse through the underdwellings of the Opera House. It's not hard to imagine the two lurking in the background of Leroux's novel.

With considerable amusement, Siciliano transforms the flat, supporting characters of

"Phantom" into viable human beings.

The object of the Phantom's affections, Christine Daae, is a young woman torn by conflicting desires. Her lover Raoul de Chagny is a repulsive moonstruck suitor. Perhaps not Leroux's original concept of the characters, but infinitely more appealing to the reader.

Holmes and the Phantom's personalities are not altered, but the author presents them in a more accessible manner than Doyle and Leroux's versions- most likely because of the era they were written in- allow.

They are the Holmes and Phantom we are all familiar with; at the same time, they are no longer a stuggle to read.

The clash of titans is not so much a battle between enemies as it is a meeting of equals. Both are masters of their environments, incredibly gifted and neither is completely at ease with humanity.

From the moment Sherlock receives a warning telegram from the Phantom, neither man has the upper hand. When they finally come face to face, Siciliano wisely focuses on the mutual respect that only two of the most popular literary creations ever could have for each other.

Apart, the characters of Sherlock Holmes and the Phantom of the Opera are adorable. But when thrust together, as they are in "Angel of the Opera," the results are mesmerizing.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughts from a bookworm in Tacoma, October 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Angel of the Opera: Sherlock Holmes Meets the Phantom of the Opera (Hardcover)

It has often been said that Gaston Leroux was confined by his genre and unable to properly explore the vast regions of a character that has more potential dimensions than, I'd wager, even he could anticipate. I tend to think that this is so with Sherlock Holmes as well. Arthur Conan Doyle's method of presenting his immortal character, in the voice of his long-time friend Dr. Watson, tends to make Holmes appear two-dimensional, in spite of Doyle's obvious storytelling ability. In this, Holmes shares a commonality with Erik, and, thus, they are a prefect match. For those of you who would dismiss this as some sort of silly Internet fanfiction you may put your doubts to rest. It is a remarkable book, well written and enjoyable.
However, in the interest of fairness I would like to voice a few warnings, for in bringing two great immortal characters together, there are some inevitable side effects.
First of all, those who explore this book as a fan of Erik's should know that this is more of a Sherlock Holmes story. He is the central character and it is told from the point of view of his cousin and companion. However, Erik's character is in no way diminished. The side effect is that everybody else gets diminished. Siciliano uses a common technique of storytellers who tackle immortal stories. Raoul, the Persian, and to a lesser degree, Christine, are all diminished to the level of base human vices. Not only that but Watson also suffers as his character is depicted as stuffy and secretly contentious with Holmes. Fortunately, however, these weaknesses, though at times annoying, can be justified as the symptoms of two such formidable personalities as Holmes and Erik coming together in a single story. They take the spotlight and everyone else gets pushed aside. Thus, in spite of all that, for sheer caliber of storytelling, I give this book five stars. It is a fantastic and ingenious spin on an idea that dates back to the 1960s. An idea that I am very glad to see in published form. As a fan of both Holmes and Erik I am very pleased.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Corny premise, awesome book, February 19, 2000

By 

"bibliochick" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Angel of the Opera: Sherlock Holmes Meets the Phantom of the Opera (Hardcover)

The minor stretches to Holmes' character are forgivable, as is the lack of Watson. As a Sherlockian and a Phantom fan, I felt this book was wonderful. The author flawlessly enters a new character into the Phantom saga. Sherlock Holmes and Erik(the Phantom) are written with such depth and give out so much emotion that by the end of this book your eyes will not be dry. The dialogue between the two geniuses is not to be missed. A welcome read to the fans of Erik and Sherlock alike.